Man Held Without Bail After Violent Pepper Spray Attack at Massachusetts Courthouse

Nicholas Akerberg, 28, faces multiple charges after assaulting court officers and personnel at Woburn District Court in tactical gear.

Nicholas Akerberg, wearing a gas mask and tactical gear, forcefully entered Woburn District Court on April 14, 2025, and attacked court staff with pepper spray.
Akerberg assaulted multiple individuals, including court officers, a police officer, and an assistant district attorney, using pepper spray, punches, and shoves.
Authorities found Akerberg in possession of eight canisters of pepper spray and two smoke canisters during his arrest.
Three court officers and Akerberg were briefly hospitalized following the incident, but all were later released.
Akerberg was arraigned on charges including assault with a dangerous weapon and disrupting a court proceeding, with his bail revoked and a court date set for May 2.